Passenger numbers at the airport are set to increase following the launch of the improved summer schedule

CORNWALL Newquay Airport’s passenger numbers are set to rise following the launch of its enhanced summer schedule.

The new schedule follows a record winter in 2023 which established Cornwall Newquay Airport as the UK’s fastest growing regional airport.

The number of airlines operating at Cornwall Newquay Airport has almost doubled from pre-pandemic, with ten airlines now offering a diverse range of routes, compared to six previously.

The airport is also focusing on improved facilities and services to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

The airport opened a new cafe and retail area in May, adding an additional 62 square meters to a newly refurbished offering. These improvements will be followed by a state-of-the-art security update also coming this year to further enhance passenger security.

The airport has expanded its car hire services, with Enterprise joining Hertz and Europcar, and a new headquarters for the on-site designated taxi company opened this year. These improvements reflect the airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance customer satisfaction and support its continued growth.

Cornwall Newquay Airport supports its offer of travel options all year round. Year-round carriers – Loganair, Aer Lingus, Eastern Airways and Ryanair provide consistent year-round connectivity, with summer carriers such as SAS and Aurigny completing the route network and enhancing the airport’s service offerings during peak travel periods.

Cornwall is the only airport in England in the Edelweiss network with direct flights to Zurich. Carrier Edelweiss has notably extended its service by adding an extra rotation on the Zurich flight, which now flies on Wednesdays and Sundays, new for 2024. They have also extended their 2025 season to start at Easter next year, opening up options to shorter break for passengers.

Cornwall Newquay Airport has seen significant increases in passenger numbers and air traffic movements each month in 2024, following the trajectory of 2023. Since January, the airport has handled a total of 138,519 passengers.

Highlights include March which saw a 70% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year with 26,768 passengers. February saw a 106% increase in passengers compared to the previous year, with 22,084 passengers. January had 18,318 passengers, a 26% increase over the previous year.

In addition to the increase in passenger numbers, the average load factor increased by 7.8% – from 65.6% last year (April – June) to 73.4% this year (April – June).

Samantha O’Dwyer, Managing Director of Cornwall Airport Newquay, said: “As we head into the summer holidays, our commitment to providing an exceptional air connection for Cornwall and beyond remains at the forefront of all our operations.

“We continue to improve our passenger experience at every opportunity, from upgrading our facilities to installing new WiFi, we want to make sure we keep Cornwall connected every step of the way.”

Sudeep Ghai, Commercial Director of Aurigny, added: “We are delighted to be adding Newquay to our network this summer, giving the people of Guernsey the opportunity to experience the outstanding beauty of the Cornish coast.

“Why not take a trip to St Ives, Truro, Mousehole or Lands End. And surfers, off to the waves and festivals. And we also hope to bring people from Cornwall to Guernsey to experience the warmth of our three islands, not just Guernsey hospitality but the opportunity to travel further afield from here to Alderney and Sark.”